A popular Weymouth boat company has expanded for the 2023 season with the addition of a second vessel.

Luke Pettis, Owner and Skipper of Snapper Charters, will be operating ‘Snapper’ and ‘Jurassic’ this year.

Fishing and sightseeing trips are due to commence this Saturday, April 1.

Luke, 26, has run his business out of Weymouth Harbour since the age of 18.

He decided to take the plunge and invest in a second boat, ‘Jurassic’, after adding sightseeing trips along the Jurassic Coast.

The trips have proved popular with both locals and holidaymakers.

Luke, pictured with his partner Jay-Jaye White, said: “I set up Snapper Charters eight years ago, after years learning the ropes on local boats.

“Initially, I concentrated solely on deep sea fishing trips.

“However, in recent years I’ve run a varied itinerary of sightseeing trips along the Jurassic Coast in addition to my deep-sea fishing trips.”

Snapper Charters’ sightseeing trips include Dorset landmarks such as Durdle Door, Portland Harbour, Chesil Beach and Portland Bill.

Luke also runs a variety of fishing trips, suitable for all ages and experience levels.

It’s possible to catch a range of species throughout the year with all equipment provided.

And it’s not just holidaymakers that are keen to get on the water.

Luke said there had been a boom in Weymouth residents keen to try something new.

He said: “‘Since lockdown, we’ve welcomed an increasing number of local families on board.

“It’s great to see people get a new perspective of the place we’re lucky enough to call home.

“Few people have had the opportunity to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the sea and there’s something quite special about taking in the views from the water.

“At Durdle Door, for instance, we tuck in close allowing you to truly appreciate its sheer size and scale.

“Passengers get the opportunity to photograph the rock formation from the back – a view that visitors seldom see.”

Expanding the fleet will allow Snapper Charters to run an increased programme of sightseeing and fishing trips and welcome even more customers on board.

The second boat will be run by experienced skippers with extensive knowledge of the waters along the Dorset coast.

Over winter Luke has completely re-fitted both boats and carried out extensive upgrades ahead of the upcoming season.

He’s also introduced new children’s activity packs and binoculars to encourage younger members of the family to take an interest in wildlife and the great outdoors.

Luke said: “We’ve worked extremely hard to establish an excellent reputation over the years and received wonderful reviews, something we’re incredibly proud of.

“With the increase in demand, came the need to expand, hence the purchase of two new, state of the art charter boats, ‘Snapper’ and ‘Jurassic’.

“We’re really excited about the future of Snapper Charters and can’t wait to welcome new and returning customers onboard this year.

“Refitting both boats has been a labour of love over the past few months and we are extremely proud of our hard work.”

• Weymouth boat trips are available to book online at snapperweymouth.com. Tickets can be purchased individually or the whole boat can be chartered for private trips, considered ideal for families or groups. Dogs are welcome on sightseeing trips.